Overview
Maithon is a 63.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in India. It generates renewable electricity using hydropower, contributing to the country's clean energy mix.
Maithon is a hydroelectric power plant located in India, with a capacity of 63.2 megawatts. It is an operational facility that harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, supporting India's growing demand for renewable energy sources. The plant's location near the Maithon Dam on the Barakar River provides a reliable water source for power generation. As a hydroelectric facility, Maithon operates with low direct emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, aligning with India's goals to increase renewable energy capacity. The plant's technology involves turbines driven by water flow, a mature and efficient method for electricity generation. India's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental clearance requirements and water use agreements to ensure sustainable operation. The plant plays a role in the regional power grid, providing clean electricity to local communities and industries. Its operation contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supports energy security. The facility's capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for hydroelectric plants in India, which has a total hydropower capacity of over 45 GW.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Maithon has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow. The plant's operation may alter river habitats and fish migration patterns. Hydropower projects in India often require environmental impact assessments to mitigate such effects. The facility's age and specific technology are not detailed, but typical run-of-river or reservoir-based designs have varying ecological footprints.
Frequently asked questions
Maithon hydroelectric power plant is located in India, near the Maithon Dam on the Barakar River. Its coordinates are approximately 23.7872 N, 86.8284 E.
Maithon power plant has a capacity of 63.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Maithon is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water through turbines.
Hydroelectric plants in India must comply with environmental clearance requirements under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, and water use agreements with state authorities. They also need to address wildlife and forest conservation laws.
Maithon contributes to India's renewable energy capacity, helping the country meet its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. It provides clean electricity to the grid, reducing reliance on coal-fired power.